J. Wills.-Aged thirty; born in Grayson; went to Raleigh twelve years ago and bought land there. Does not [know] for what he was arrested. Thinks it was from a malicious charge of Jasper Cole that he was a Union man. Says he is a Southern man. Is a Methodist. When the church divided he went with the Southern Methodists. Has never had anything to do with the Yankees since. Voted against secession, but when the State went out he went with it. Willing to take the oath of allegiance. I have no evidence about this man. His examination shows no cause for detaining him. I recommend his discharge on taking the oath of allegiance.

SOURCE: Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, Series 2, Volume 2, pg. 1448